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Hague tribunal begins hearings on Ukraine’s Black and Azov seas dispute with Russia

The case, brought by Ukraine in 2016, challenges Russia’s actions in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
byVira Kravchuk
23/09/2024
2 minute read
The Kerch bridge, also known as the Crimean bridge
The Kerch bridge, also known as the Crimean bridge. Source: krymr.org
Hague tribunal begins hearings on Ukraine’s Black and Azov seas dispute with Russia

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague will commence hearings on 23 September regarding Ukraine’s lawsuit against Russia over alleged violations of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Ukraine brought the lawsuit to the PCA in 2016 after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Kyiv is trying to prove in court that Russia has been illegally using natural resources, like gas, oil, and fisheries, and blocks access to Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait waters.

According to the Court of Arbitration, both nations will present opening statements on 23 September. Ukraine is scheduled to deliver its closing arguments on 3 October,  followed by Russia on 5 October. 

 Ambassador-at-Large Anton Korynevych will represent Ukraine, while Gennady Kuzmin will speak for Russia, Ukrinform reports.

While the opening and closing statements will be public, the Court has decided to keep the majority of the proceedings confidential until the hearings conclude.

A significant development occurred in February 2020 when the tribunal confirmed its jurisdiction over the case, albeit limited to matters concerning the Sea of Azov, Kerch Strait, and the exploitation of natural resources.

Russia’s primary objection to the proceedings is that Ukraine’s claims fall outside the scope of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Russian side contends that the lawsuit is an indirect attempt to secure a ruling on Crimea’s sovereignty.

Ukraine is arguing that Russia has no right to control these waters because Crimea is still legally part of Ukraine under international law.

Among the named violations are the seizure of the Odesa gas field and gas deposits near the Crimean peninsula. Other charges include blocking transit sea traffic in the Kerch Strait, constructing the bridge there, and controlling the fish production in the region.

 

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